MERCEDES-BENZ pretty much guarantees luxury and desirability across the range.

From the A-Class hatchback to the super luxurious S-Class limo , there's something to suit virtually every taste, if not every bank balance.

The E-Class, which in 2013 celebrated 60 years in one form or another, is the most comprehensively revised model range in the company's history.

As an executive class favourite it needs to tick a number of boxes and does so with a range of saloons, coupes, cabrios and estates.

It also provides high-performanc, yet clean and frugal engines for those wishing to minimise benefit in kind tax payments.

The E-Class, certainly in saloon form, is perhaps on the conservative side of styling. Having said that, it is not too shabby looking either with soft, fluid lines barred grille and unimistakeable and hardly understated three-poined Mercedes star.

Also featured neat front light clusters and large air scoops to the front end. In addition, the AMG Line trim has extra body kit with front and rear apron, side skirts and body coloured door handles.

The rear also features neat light cluster and dual exhaust, with squared tailpipes.

The classy look is mirrored in the cabin where high-quality abounds, even if the layout has now been around for a while.

It feels solid and the high-quality soft touch finish gives the cabin that expensive feel.

The AMG Line gives extra bling to take the edge off the conservative look, with leather seats, AMG mats brushed stainless steel sports pedals, door sill panels with inlays and bespoke steering wheel.

It oozes quality and has excellent levels of standard kit as you would expect from a car costing nearly £37,000.

But if you want extra, in this sector of the market, thousands can be spent on extra toys.

The centre point is the central screen which controls infotainment, connectivity and other functions.

Mercedes COMMAND online systed provides just about any level of connectivity from Facebook and social media, up to date traffic and navigation info. Shame you can't really use it on the move. But it can become a virtual office when parked up.

There are six engine options - two petrol and three diesel, and a diesel/electric hybrid with the 220 CDI BlueTec model tested here mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The 177bhp 2.2-litre unit has plenty of pace, but delivers a claimed 64-odd mpg, with CO2 emissions of 128g/km. It has plenty of urge, hitting 60mph from a standing start in just over eight seconds.

It is superb on the motorway for easy overtaking as the seven-speed gearbox slips easily through the gears. Refinement is also good with occupants well insulated from engine and road noise, although there is some noise from the large tyres on some surfaces.

All occupants are cossetted by the firm but comfortable seats and head and legroom is decent all round. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is a breeze with electrically adjustable seats and steering wheel, while all round vision is decent.

Other standard features include a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems and assisted parking technology.